Walker was the passenger in a Porsche when the driver, former racer Roger Rodas, lost control and hit a lamp post. The vehicle then burst into flames.

Both Walker and Rodas were pronounced dead at the scene following the collision, which happened around a fundraiser for the star's charity organisation Reach Out Worldwide. The event was held at car customisation store Always Evolving, which they co-owned.

A statement on Walker's Facebook page read: "He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives. We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news.

"Thank you for keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will do our best to keep you apprised on where to send condolences."

A statement from Universal Pictures said: "All of us at Universal are heartbroken.

"Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast and Furious films, and to countless fans.

"We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul's family."

Walker appeared in all but one of the Fast and the Furious movies, and was working on Fast & Furious 7 at the time of his death.

He had already filmed roles in three further movies - thriller Hours, set during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, comedy crime drama Pawn Shop Chronicles and Brick Mansions, Luc Besson's English-language remake of his own District 13.

Walker's other credits include Into the Blue, Flags of Our Fathers, Takers, Varsity Blues, She's All That and CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless.